Free-Verse Poetry
What is Free-Verse? Definition: verse composed of variable, usually unrhymed lines having no fixed metrical pattern. While free verse poetry has no regular rhyme or rhythm, it can follow a pattern: Two long lines and then a short one Same number of lines in each stanza Repetition of the same word to begin or end each stanza
Elements of Free-Verse Assonance Alliteration Imagery Onomatopoeia Cadence
Assonance The repetition of identical or similar vowel sounds “The morning was cold with a bold statement. The morning dew was wet and set in the ground. You could taste the spring paste fill the air. It made you feel real, refreshed and lively.
Practice assonance Examine the picture on the right. Write a few lines describing what you see, using assonance
Alliteration The repetition of the same sounds or of the same kinds of sounds at the beginning of words or in stressed syllables “Laura’s lizard likes leaping leopards.” “She sells sea shells by the sea shore.”
Practice alliteration Last names ending in A-M: Write a short description of a small child eating a melting ice cream cone, using alliteration. Last names ending in N-Z: Write a short description of a bull rider getting ready to come out of the chute, using alliteration.
Share your work with a partner!
Imagery The use of vivid or figurative language to represent objects, actions, or ideas Using sensory language to create mental images “The air is crisp as I trudge home, to see palms on frozen glass. Watch as the darkness falls, across the snowy lane.”
Practice imagery You have thirty seconds to view the picture on the following slide. Then, use imagery to re-create the scene in your own free-verse poem.
Onomatopoeia The formation or use of words such as buzz or bang that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to.
Practice onomatopoeia A poem titled “When Carly Eats Spaghetti” is on the following slide. As you read it, write down words that are examples of onomatopoeia.
“When Carly Eats Spaghetti” She chomps and gobbles and slurps, The spaghetti disappears with a whoosh Sauce slapping and smacking Round her chops. She scrapes the toast round the plate Crunching, grinding every mouthful. She burps, gurgles and leaves the table!
Cadence The rhythmic rising and falling of the voice when speaking or reading poetry. The structure of a the poem that emphasis’ words and/or phrases.
Examples of Free-Verse Walt Whitman- “Walt Whitman”
Examples of Free-Verse Dylan Thomas- “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night”
Examples of Free-Verse Marianne Moore- “The Fish”